Both buyers and sellers have an interest in contracting the services of a home inspector in Tampa before concluding the purchase/sale of a home. Buyers will want to be sure that any prospective home is safe and in good repair. Sellers will want to discover any trouble areas early on so repairs can be made before listing the home for sale. A home inspector in Tampa can uncover any areas of concern for either party.
Beryl Project Engineering employs certified Master Inspectors with many years of experience in the construction industry. Our experienced home inspectors have uncovered all kinds of problems with numerous homes. Here are four trouble areas where a home inspector in Tampa commonly discovers problems.
Basements and Crawlspaces
Damp, stale odors and mildew stains in these areas are sure to make prospective buyers pause. This is evidence that the basement or crawlspace is too damp. There could also be various forms of mold. Black mold grows in damp areas like these and is a significant health hazard. A home inspector in Tampa will look for mildewed areas and damp places to determine if the home has a problem with water intrusion.
Water causes serious damage to a home and its components. Serious water intrusion could also signal that the home has foundation problems. Sellers should make repairs to remedy any water intrusion and/or damage before listing the home for sale. Those selling a home with serious moisture problems of foundation issues can also lower the price of the home and share with buyers the problem and resulting price cut.
Roofs and Chimneys
Broken or missing shingles or other obvious problems with roof coverings are one of the first things home buyers and a home inspector in Tampa will notice. A problem with the outer roof covering typically signals that a moisture problem lies beneath. Damp or rotted roofing components underneath the roof covering will always need to be repaired before listing a home for sale.
Florida building codes are some of the strictest in the United States. There are exacting codes for how roofs are to be built and repaired. This is to guarantee your home’s overall integrity and safety. Other obvious trouble spots with roofs include the flashing around chimneys to prevent water intrusion. The bricks and mortar of a chimney should also be in good condition with no visible cracks, spalling, or other deterioration.
Plumbing Systems
Any known leaks should be repaired long before your home inspector in Tampa arrives to perform an inspection. Leaks and other plumbing problems can be signs of other, more invasive water damage. A home inspector in Tampa who finds a leak will surely follow the trail of water to uncover more damage. Water can travel quite a distance and cause damage in other parts of your home.
A Beryl home inspector in Tampa will also turn on several water outlets and faucets to check water pressure. The health of the home’s septic system will also be high on the list of items to check. Any plumbing problems that are discovered should be repaired as soon as possible. Nothing turns away prospective buyers like leaks and other plumbing issues.
Electrical Systems
Electrical codes change periodically to reflect safe practices and the needs of modern families. Older homes may need some significant upgrades in order to provide adequate power for your needs. This can include replacing the electrical panel and circuit breaker configuration. It may also include adding more receptacles to meet the demands of modern users.
A home inspector in Tampa will check for ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI) receptacles in bathrooms and kitchens. These receptacles contain mini-circuit breakers that click off during a short circuit or overload. They will also check numerous receptacles and electrical fixtures throughout the home for serviceability.
For quality, professional home inspections in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County, call Beryl Project Engineering when preparing to buy or sell a home.
